Abstract Background: Brazil is the worldwide leader in the long-term use of pesticides and herbicides. This compromises the health of handlers by causing harmful neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular changes. The herbicide 2.4D has been shown to cause cardiac overload with subsequent pathological remodeling. Objective: To analyze the cardiac morphological repercussions on the left ventricle (LV) of mice submitted to nebulization by the herbicide 2.4D. Methods: Fifteen mice were divided into three groups: control group (CG; n = 5) exposed to nebulization with sodium chloride solution; low concentration group (LCG; n = 5) exposed to nebulization of the herbicide 2.4D with 3.71 x 10-3 grams; and high concentration group (HCG; n = 5) exposed to nebulization of the herbicide 2.4D with 9.28 x 10-3 grams for 15 minutes. The fractal dimension analysis was performed through the box-counting method. Later, the ImageJ program was used to calculate the fractal dimension of each group. To evaluate cardiac remodeling, histological slides were prepared and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE). Fifty areas of cardiomyocytes were analyzed per animal. The comparisons between groups were performed by ANOVA One-Way with Tukey’s posttest (p < 0.05). Results: There was no change in fractal dimension values between the CG = 1.37 ± 0.02, LCG = 1.33 ± 0.04 and the HCG = 1.33 ± 0.07 groups. However, cardiac hypertrophy occurred in the HCG = 303.9 ± 38.80 µm(2) when compared to the CG group = 236.9 ± 61.71 µm(2) (p = 0.034). Conclusion: The herbicide 2.4D used for 72 hours did not promote cardiotoxicity when evaluated by fractal dimension. However, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was observed in the LV.

Abstract The most common neurological impairments related to schistosomiasis involve the lower portions of the medulla and the cauda equina. A 22-year-old woman, with no history, signs, or symptoms of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis, presented with lumbar pain associated with acute paresthesia and paresis of the right lower limb. Spinal schistosomiasis was suspected based on the disease progression and radiological findings, and the diagnosis was confirmed after cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The authors emphasize this pathology as important as a differential diagnosis in similar clinical scenarios, especially in endemic areas, because both early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid permanent sequelae.

Resumo Melanomas do trato ginecológico podem ocorrer na vulva, vagina, ovário ou cérvix. A gravidez é considerada um fator agravante na evolução e prognóstico do melanoma. Uma mulher de 35 anos de idade apresentou sangramento vaginal 2 meses após o parto por cesariana a termo. Uma ultrassonografia endovaginal mostrou lesão no colo uterino. O exame anatomopatológico mostrou uma pequena neoplasia de células redondas, e a imuno-histoquímica confirmou o diagnóstico de melanoma maligno. A tomografia por emissão de pósitrons mostrou lesão hipermetabólica expansiva centrada no colo do útero,e lesões hipermetabólicas no fígado e no rim direito. O tratamento não cirúrgico foi feito com bioquimioterapia seguida de ipilimumab e nivolumab. A paciente morreu um ano depois. Sangramentos vaginais pós-parto,mesmo que tardios,devem ser investigados,pois podem ser um melanoma maligno associado à gravidez, o qual tem um mau prognóstico.

Abstract Melanomas of the female genital tract may occur in the vulva, the vagina, the ovary or the cervix.Pregnancy has been considered an aggravating factor in the evolution and prognosis of melanoma. A 35-year-old female presented with vaginal bleeding 2 months after a term cesarean delivery. An endovaginal ultrasound revealed a lesion in the uterine cervix. The pathological report revealed a small round-cell neoplasm, and the immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. A positron emission tomography revealed an expansive hypermetabolic lesion centered on the cervix, and hypermetabolic lesions in the liver and right kidney. Non-surgical treatment was provided, with biochemotherapy followed by ipilimumab and nivolumab. The patient died one year later. Postpartum vaginal bleeding, even if late-onset, should be investigated, as it may be a pregnancy-associated malignant melanoma, which has a poor prognosis.

Abstract: Glomus tumors are rare hamartomas that originate from the glomus body. These tumors can be divided into solitary and multiple, the latter also known as glomangioma. We report the case of two patients with a rare variety of glomangioma called congenital plaque-like glomangioma. It presents as numerous red to bluish compressible papules, that increase in size in proportion with the weight and height growth of the child. Diagnostic confirmation is with histopathology and the treatment is surgical.

Abstract Divided nevus, also known as kissing nevus, is a rare variant of congenital melanocytic nevi in which there are two adjacent nevi in areas of the body that undergo embryonic cleavage. The original description of this type of lesion was on the eyelid. The location on the penis is even rarer, with only 17 case reports in the literature so far, and only one of them described the dermoscopic findings. We report the case of a patient with divided nevus of the penis and its clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological features.

Abstract Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, infective endocarditis still shows considerable morbidity and mortality rates. The dermatological examination in patients with suspected infective endocarditis may prove very useful, as it might reveal suggestive abnormalities of this disease, such as Osler’s nodes and Janeway lesions. Osler’s nodes are painful, purple nodular lesions, usually found on the tips of fingers and toes. Janeway lesions, in turn, are painless erythematous macules that usually affect palms and soles. We report a case of infective endocarditis and highlight the importance of skin examination as a very important element in the presumptive diagnosis of infective endocarditis.

Abstract Ca3SiO5 is new cement based on the composition of Portland that has been developed to have superior physicochemical and biological properties. In a clinical evaluation, the cement did not appear to have cytotoxic properties and allowed for the proliferation of pulp cells and gingival fibroblasts. However, no previous studies have evaluated the genotoxicity or the mutagenicity of Ca3SiO5in vivo. Therefore, the goal of this study is to evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of Ca3SiO5-based cement in vivo. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 8). Group A rats received subcutaneous implantation of Ca3SiO5 in the dorsum. Group B rats received a single dose of cyclophosphamide (positive control). Group C rats received subcutaneous implantation of empty tubes in the dorsum (negative control). After 24 hours, all animals were euthanized and the bone marrow of the femurs was collected for use in the comet assay and the micronucleus test. The comet assay revealed that the Ca3SiO5 group had a tail intensity of 23.57 ± 7.70%, the cyclophosphamide group had a tail intensity of 27.43 ± 7.40%, and the negative control group had a tail intensity of 24.75 ± 5.55%. The average number of micronuclei was 6.25 (standard deviation, SD = 3.53) in the Ca3SiO5 group, 9.75 (SD = 2.49) in the cyclophosphamide group, and 0.75 (SD = 1.03) in the negative control group. There was an increase in the micronuclei frequency in the Ca3SiO5 group compared to that of the negative control group (p < 0.05). Our data showed that exposure to the Ca3SiO5-based cement resulted in an increase in the frequency of micronuclei, but no genotoxicity was detected according to the comet assay.

RESUMOObjetivo:Avaliar a eficácia do uso tópico do colírio de ciclosporina 1% em dois veículos, óleo de oliva e linhaça, e dos óleos separados, no tratamento da ceratoconjuntivite seca experimentalmente induzida (KCS) em coelhos.Método:Vinte e cinco coelhos Nova Zelândia foram induzidos para KCS com colírio de sulfato de atropina a 1% por sete dias antes e durante o período de tratamento (12 semanas) e foram divididos em 5 grupos, um grupo controle (C), sem indução de KCS e quatro grupos de tratamento tópico com ciclosporina em óleo de oliva (CO), ciclosporina em óleo de linhaça (CL), óleo de oliva (O) e óleo de linhaça (L). Os animais foram avaliados utilizando o teste lacrimal de Schirmer I (STT), teste de fluoresceína (FT), teste de ruptura do filme lacrimal (TBUT), teste de rosa bengala (RBT) e análise histopatológica.Resultados:Os valores de TBUT e STT diminuíram significativamente uma semana pós-indução da KCS (p<0,05) e foram semelhantes aos valores iniciais após a quarta semana de tratamento, em todos os grupos. Após a indução de KCS, houve menor dano na córnea no grupo L em relação ao grupo CL, quando avaliados FT e RBT. A histopatologia demonstrou que os grupos L e CL apresentaram menos edema e congestão da córnea. Não houve diferença significativa na densidade das células caliciformes (células/mm2) entre os grupos (p=0,147).Conclusão:Ciclosporina diluída em óleo de oliva ou linhaça foi eficiente no tratamento da CCS, porém teve uma melhor eficácia quando diluída no óleo de linhaça. O óleo de linhaça, isoladamente ou associado, apresentou melhor eficácia quando comparado ao óleo de oliva. Estes resultados podem contribuir no futuro com novas formulações oftálmicas tópicas no tratamento da CCS.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the effectiveness of topical 1% cyclosporine eye drops diluted in either of the two vehicles-olive and linseed oil-and that of the oils themselves in treating experimentally-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in rabbits.Methods:KCS was induced in 25 New Zealand rabbits using 1% atropine sulfate eye drops for 7 days before treatment and throughout the treatment period (12 weeks). The rabbits were divided into five groups: one control (C) group without KCS induction and four treatment groups in which KCS was induced and treated topically with olive oil (O), linseed oil (L), cyclosporine in olive oil (CO), and cyclosporine in linseed oil (CL). The animals were evaluated using Schirmer tear test 1 (STT), the fluorescein test (FT), tear-film break-up time (TBUT), the rose bengal test (RBT), and histopathological analysis.Results:Values of STT and TBUT significantly decreased 1 week post-induction (p<0.05) and were similar to initial values after the 4th week of treatment, in all groups. After KCS induction, there was significantly less corneal damage in group L than in group CL, as assessed FT and RBT. Histopathology demonstrated that Groups L and CL presented less edema and corneal congestion. There was no significant difference in the goblet cell density (cells/mm2) between the groups (p=0.147).Conclusion:Cyclosporine diluted in olive oil or linseed oil was effective in the treatment of KCS, although it had better efficacy when diluted in linseed oil. Linseed oil presented better effectiveness, whether associated or not, than olive oil. These results may contribute to the creation of novel topical ophthalmic formulations for KCS treatment in future.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential of heterologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel for surgical skin wound healing in rabbitsMETHODS: Blood from a single healthy dog was used for PRP production, with calcium gluconate added to the PRP to form the gel. Two surgical excisions, one to the right and the other to the left of the dorsal midline, were made in six rabbits. One side was randomly allocated to topical application of a physiological solution, and the other was allocated to treatment with heterologous PRP gel. Clinical assessments (weight, pain sensitivity, coloring, edema, hyperemia, exudation, crust, and granulation) and morphometric evaluations were performed 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 17 days postoperatively. Histological analysis was performed on the 17th day.RESULTS: With the exception of the presence of a crust at day 10, clinical variables did not differ significantly between the experimental groups. In both the control and PRP-treated groups, differences were identified when comparing time-points in terms of wound area reduction. Histological results indicated no significant differences between the control group and the PRP-treated group.CONCLUSION: Heterologous platelet-rich plasma gel promoted dermal wound healing in rabbits with no adverse effects.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Estudos anteriores sobre os efeitos de alguns anestésicos locais sugeriram que esses agentes podem causar alterações genéticas. No entanto, esses agentes não são testados para genotoxicidade relacionada à administração repetida. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial genotóxico de anestésicos locais após repetidas administrações. MÉTODOS: 80 ratos Wistar machos foram alocados em: grupo A - 16 ratos receberam injeção por via intraperitoneal (IP) de cloridrato de lidocaína a 2%; grupo B - 16 ratos receberam injeção IP com mepivacaína a 2%; grupo C - 16 ratos receberam injeção IP de articaína a 4%; grupo D - 16 ratos receberam injeção IP de prilocaína a 3% (6 mg kg-1); grupo E - oito ratos receberam injeção subcutânea em dose única de ciclofosfamida; grupo F - oito ratos receberam injeção IP com solução salina. Oito ratos dos grupos de A a D receberam uma dose única de anestésico no Dia 1 da experiência; os ratos restantes foram dosados uma vez por dia durante cinco dias. RESULTADOS: A mediana do número de micronúcleos nos grupos com anestésicos locais expostos por um ou cinco dias variou de 0 a 1; no grupo exposto à ciclofosfamida foi de 10 e no grupo controle negativo no primeiro e quinto dias foi de 1 e 0, respectivamente (p < 0,0001). Uma diferença significativa foi observada no número de micronúcleos entre o grupo ciclofosfamida e todos os grupos com anestésicos locais (p = 0,0001), mas não entre o grupo controle negativo e os grupos com anestésicos locais (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Nenhum efeito de genotoxicidade foi observado após a exposição repetida a qualquer um dos anestésicos locais avaliados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies regarding the effects of some local anaesthetics have suggested that these agents can cause genetic damage. However, they have not been tested for genotoxicity related to repetitive administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of local anaesthetics upon repetitive administration. METHODS: 80 male Wistar rats were divided into: group A - 16 rats intraperitoneally injected with lidocaine hydrochloride 2%; group B - 16 rats IP injected with mepivacaine 2%; group C - 16 rats intraperitoneally injected with articaine 4%; group D - 16 rats IP injected with prilocaine 3% (6.0 mg/kg); group E - 8 rats subcutaneously injected with a single dose of cyclophosphamide; and group F - 8 rats intraperitoneally injected with saline. Eight rats from groups A to D received a single dose of anaesthetic on Day 1 of the experiment; the remaining rats were dosed once a day for 5 days. RESULTS: The median number of micronuclei in the local anaesthetics groups exposed for 1 or 5 days ranged from 0.00 to 1.00, in the cyclophosphamide-exposed group was 10.00, and the negative control group for 1 and 5 days was 1.00 and 0.00, respectively (p < 0.0001). A significant difference in the number of micronuclei was observed between the cyclophosphamide group and all local anaesthetic groups (p = 0.0001), but not between the negative control group and the local anaesthetic groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: No genotoxicity effect was observed upon repetitive exposure to any of the local anaesthetics evaluated.

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Estudios previos sobre los efectos de algunos anestésicos locales han mostrado que esos agentes pueden causar alteraciones genéticas. Sin embargo, esos agentes no son testados para la genotoxicidad relacionada con la administración repetida. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el potencial genotóxico de anestésicos locales después de repetidas administraciones. MÉTODOS: 80 ratones Wistar machos se dividieron en: grupo A: 16 ratones que recibieron inyección por vía intraperitoneal (IP) de clorhidrato de lidocaína al 2%; grupo B: 16 ratones a los que se les administró inyección IP con mepivacaína al 2%; grupo C: 16 ratones que recibieron inyección IP de articaína al 4%; grupo D: 16 ratones a los que se les administró inyección IP de prilocaína al 3% (6 mg/kg); grupo E: 8 ratones que recibieron inyección subcutánea en dosis única de ciclofosfamida; grupo F: 8 ratones que recibieron inyección IP con solución salina. Ocho ratones de los grupos A a D recibieron una dosis única de anestésico el primer día de la experiencia; los ratones restantes se dosificaron una vez por día durante 5 días. RESULTADOS: La mediana del número de micronúcleos en los grupos con anestésicos locales expuestos durante uno o 5 días varió de 0 a 1; en el grupo expuesto a la ciclofosfamida fue de 10 y en el grupo control negativo en el primero y quinto día fue de 1 y 0 respectivamente (p < 0,0001). Se observó una diferencia significativa en el número de micronúcleos entre el grupo ciclofosfamida y todos los grupos con anestésicos locales (p = 0,0001), pero no entre el grupo control negativo y los grupos con anestésicos locales (p > 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: Ningún efecto de genotoxicidad fue observado después de la exposición repetida a cualquiera de los anestésicos locales evaluados.

Objetivo: Avaliar a ação do ácido ascórbico na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas de ratos desnutridos e de eutróficos. Métodos: Utilizaram-se 92 ratos Wistar, adultos, machos, divididos em quatro grupos: 24 ratos eutróficos que receberam somente água e ração; 24 ratos eutróficos que receberam vitamina C por gavagem (340 mg/kg de 12/12 horas); 22 ratos desnutridos que receberam somente água e ração; 22 ratos desnutridos que receberam vitamina C por gavagem (340 mg/kg de 12/12 horas). A desnutrição foi realizada fornecendo-se aos animais metade da ração diária durante 30 dias. Realizaram-se duas incisões, uma suturada (cicatrização por 1ª intenção) e outra não suturada (cicatrização por 2ª intenção). Os ratos foram sacrificados no 3º (D3), 7º (D7) e 14º (D14) dia do experimento. Resultados: Observou-se diferença estatística (p<0.05) entre os grupos para os parâmetros: granulação na borda da ferida para 1ª e 2ª intenção; medida das lesões por 1ª intenção em D7 e para cicatrização por 2ª intenção em D3; reepitelização das lesões em D7 para 1ª intenção; crosta fibrinoleucocitária em D14 para 1ª intenção; quantidade de neovascularização, concentração de macrófagos e concentração de fibroblastos e de fibras colágenas para 1ª e 2ª intenção. Conclusão: O uso de vitamina C em desnutridos assim como em eutróficos aumenta a proliferação fibroblástica e depósito de colágeno no tecido, o que contribui para melhorar a cicatrização de 1ª e 2ª intenção.

Objective: To evaluate the action of ascorbic acid on the healing of malnourished rats' cutaneous wounds compared with normal weight rats. Methods: We used 92 adult, male Wistar rats divided into four groups: 24 normal weight rats given only water and chow; 24 normal weight rats given vitamin C by gavage (340 mg/kg 12/12 hours); 22 malnourished rats given only water and chow; and 22 malnourished rats given vitamin C by gavage (340 mg/kg 12/12 hours). Malnutrition was induced by feeding the animals half of their daily energy requirement for 30 days. Two incisions were made, one sutured (healing by primary intention) and one left unsutured (healing by secondary intention). The rats were euthanized on the third, seventh, and fourteenth days of the experiment. Results: The following parameters differed significantly between the groups (p>0.05): granulation of the wound edge in the primary and secondary intention; extent of injuries on day 7 for primary intention and on day 3 for secondary intention; reepithelialization on day 7 for primary intention; fibrin-leukocyte scab on day 14 for primary intention; amount of neovascularization and concentration of macrophages, fibroblasts, and collagen fibers for primary and secondary intention. Conclusion: The use of vitamin C in malnourished and normal weight rats increases fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition in the tissue, which helps to improve healing both by primary and secondary intention.

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do pH da água de beber nas alterações bucais provocadas pela intoxicação por cádmio.Material e método: Foram utilizados 90 ratos Wistar, adultos, machos, divididos em 6 grupos: A - 15 ratos que receberam solução de cloreto de cádmio (400 mg/L) na água de beber com pH neutro (pH 7,0); B -15 ratos que receberam solução de cloreto de cádmio (400 mg/L) na água com pH ácido (pH 5,0); C - 15 ratos, os quais receberam solução de cloreto de cádmio (400mg/L) na água com pH básico (pH 8,0). D - 15 ratos que receberam água com pH ácido (pH 5,0); E - 15 ratos que receberam água com pH básico (pH 8,0); F -15 ratos que receberam água com pH neutro (pH 7,0). Todos os animais foram eutanasiados 6 meses após o início do experimento. Foram retirados fragmentos da mucosa jugal, língua e glândula salivar de cada animal para análise microscópica.Resultado:Não foram observadas alterações na mucosa jugal, mucosa da língua ou nas glândulas salivares em nenhum dos grupos avaliados.Conclusão: Mesmo em alta concentração o cádmio adicionado à água de beber não mostrou causar dano a mucosa bucal ou às glândulas salivares, independente do pH da água.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of the pH of drinking water in the oral changes caused by cadmium poisoning.Material and method: Ninety male Wister rats were divided into the following six groups: A - 15 rats were given cadmium chloride solution (400 mg/L) in drinking water with a neutral pH (pH 7.0); B - 15 rats received cadmium chloride solution (400 mg/L) in drinking water with an acidic pH (pH 5.0); C - 15 rats were treated with a cadmium chloride solution (400 mg/L) in drinking water with a basic pH (pH 8.0); D - 15 rats received drinking water with an acidic pH (pH 5.0); E - 15 rats were given drinking water with a basic pH (pH 8.0); F - 15 rats received water with a neutral pH (pH 7.0). All animals were sacrificed six months after the beginning of the experiment. A biopsy of the buccal mucosa, tongue and salivary gland of each animal was taken for microscopic analysis.Result: No changes were observed in the buccal mucosa, tongue mucosa or salivary glands in any of the groups.Conclusion:Drinking water that contains a high concentration of cadmium with differing pH levels demonstrated no damage to the oral mucosa and salivary glands of male Wistar rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of methyl methacrylate (MMA) vapor by simulating standard occupational exposure of 8 hours per day and using the micronucleus test. We used 32 adult male Wistar rats divided into three groups: A - 16 rats exposed to MMA for 8 hours a day, B - Eight rats receiving single subcutaneous doses of cyclophosphamide on the first day of the experiment (positive control), C - Eight rats receiving only water and food ad libitum (negative control). Eight rats from group A and all of the rats from groups B and C were sacrificed 24 hours after beginning the experiment (acute exposure in group A). The remaining animals in group A were sacrificed 5 days after the experiment began (repeated exposure assessment in group A, simulating occupational exposure 40 hours/week). Femoral bone marrow was collected from each rat at the time of sacrifice for use in the micronucleus test. Two slides were completed per animal and were stained with Giemsa staining. Two thousand polychromatic erythrocytes were counted per animal. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a multiple comparisons test (Dunn test) was used for statistical analysis. The median number of micronuclei was 7.00 in the group exposed to MMA for 1 day, 2.00 in the group exposed to MMA for 5 days, 9.00 in the group exposed to cyclophosphamide (positive control) and 0.756 in the negative control group (p < 0.0001). MMA was genotoxic when measured after 1 day of exposure but was not evidently genotoxic after 5 days.